Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is a potential consequence for a Pennsylvania notary who fails to properly identify a document signer?

Verbal warning
Mandatory retraining
Written reprimand
Fine of up to $1,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fine of up to $1,000

Failing to properly identify a document signer is a serious violation of a Pennsylvania notary's duties and can lead to significant consequences. This negligence can result in a fine of up to $1,000, as it undermines the integrity of the notarial act and could facilitate fraud. Proper identification is a cornerstone of a notary's responsibility to protect the public.

Question 2: A newly appointed notary is sworn in on day 10 after their appointment date. They successfully record their bond, oath, and commission with the Recorder of Deeds on day 40. However, they neglect to file a copy of the bond and oath with the Department of State until day 100. What is the status of their commission?

The commission is valid because the critical 45-day recording deadline was met.
The commission is null and void due to missing the 90-day filing deadline with the Department of State. (Correct answer)
The commission is suspended until the documents are filed with the Department of State.
The commission is valid, but the notary faces a fine for the late filing.

Correct answer: The commission is null and void due to missing the 90-day filing deadline with the Department of State.

Pennsylvania law has a two-part deadline. While the bond, oath, and commission must be recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds within 45 days, a copy of the bond and oath must also be filed with the Department of State within 90 days of that recording. Failure to meet this second deadline renders the commission null and void.

Question 3: Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for a Pennsylvania notary applicant?

Be a registered voter in Pennsylvania.
Be a resident of or have a place of employment in Pennsylvania. (Correct answer)
Have a college degree.
Be a U.S. citizen.

Correct answer: Be a resident of or have a place of employment in Pennsylvania.

An applicant for a notary commission must either be a resident of Pennsylvania or have a place of employment or practice within the Commonwealth.

Question 4: Which of the following is an acceptable form of identification for a notarial act in Pennsylvania?

A university student ID card with a photo.
A U.S. birth certificate.
A valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign government. (Correct answer)
A credit card with a photograph.

Correct answer: A valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign government.

Acceptable ID must be current (not expired), issued by a federal or state government agency, and contain the individual's photograph and signature. A foreign passport meets these criteria. Student IDs and credit cards are not government-issued, and a birth certificate lacks a photograph.

Question 5: A Pennsylvania notary's commission expired two days ago. To be reappointed, the individual submitted a renewal application the week before expiration. What is the most significant requirement they must now meet that they would have avoided if the application had been processed before the expiration?

They must take and pass the Pearson VUE notary examination. (Correct answer)
They must obtain a new $10,000 surety bond.
They must complete another three-hour notary education course.
They must re-register their signature with the prothonotary.

Correct answer: They must take and pass the Pearson VUE notary examination.

According to Pennsylvania notary law, if a notary's commission lapses, even by one day, they are required to take and pass the state-administered examination to be reappointed. Submitting the application before expiration is not enough; the reappointment must be processed before the old commission expires to avoid the exam requirement.

Question 6: A Notary Public in Pennsylvania is legally authorized by the state government to:

Conduct real estate appraisals
Witness court proceedings
Issue marriage licenses
Administer oaths and affirmations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Administer oaths and affirmations

A primary function of a Notary Public in Pennsylvania, as authorized by the state government, is to administer oaths and affirmations. This power allows them to legally attest to the truthfulness of statements made by individuals. While they perform other duties, administering oaths is a core responsibility that lends legal weight to various documents and declarations.

Question 7: What is a deposition, and what role does a Pennsylvania notary play when one is taken?

A deposition is a type of affidavit filed with the courts; the notary certifies the copy
A deposition is sworn out-of-court testimony; the notary administers the oath to the witness before testimony is given (Correct answer)
A deposition is a property transfer; the notary acknowledges the grantor's signature
A deposition is a formal court hearing; notaries are not permitted to participate

Correct answer: A deposition is sworn out-of-court testimony; the notary administers the oath to the witness before testimony is given

In a deposition, a notary may administer the oath or affirmation to the witness before sworn testimony is recorded, serving as the administering officer.

Question 8: What is the maximum fee a Pennsylvania Notary Public may charge for certifying a copy of a document?

$15.00
$5.00 (Correct answer)
$2.00
$10.00

Correct answer: $5.00

The maximum fee for certifying or attesting a copy of a document is $5.00. This is consistent with the fee for many other basic notarial acts.

Question 9: When performing an electronic notarization, what specific requirement applies to the notary's journal in Pennsylvania?

A separate tangible journal must be used for all electronic notarial acts.
The notary must maintain an electronic journal that complies with the same requirements as a tangible journal. (Correct answer)
Only the date and time of the electronic notarization need to be recorded.
Electronic notarizations do not require a journal entry if a secure electronic record is maintained.

Correct answer: The notary must maintain an electronic journal that complies with the same requirements as a tangible journal.

For electronic notarizations, Pennsylvania law permits the use of an electronic journal, provided it meets the same requirements for security, integrity, and record-keeping as a tangible journal. The electronic journal must contain all the information required for traditional notarial acts.

Question 10: Which of the following scenarios constitutes a voidable notarial act due to a direct or pecuniary interest by a Pennsylvania notary?

Notarizing a signature on a loan document for a publicly traded bank in which the notary owns a small amount of stock.
Notarizing a document for a coworker where the notary's employer is a party to the transaction, but the notary receives no personal benefit.
Notarizing a vehicle title for a neighbor who is paying the notary the standard, regulated fee.
Notarizing a deed for the sale of a property where the notary's spouse is the real estate agent earning a commission. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notarizing a deed for the sale of a property where the notary's spouse is the real estate agent earning a commission.

A Pennsylvania notary may not perform a notarial act if the notary or their spouse has a direct or pecuniary interest in the record. A real estate commission is a direct financial interest. Being an employee of a party or a shareholder in a publicly traded company is not automatically disqualifying unless the notary personally benefits beyond their normal compensation.

Question 11: A Pennsylvania Notary Public is asked to certify a copy of a birth certificate. Under PA RULONA, what is the notary's correct response?

The notary may certify the copy, provided the original is presented and the copy is a true and accurate reproduction.
The notary may certify the copy if they personally make the copy from the original document.
The notary must refuse to certify the copy because it is a public record for which a certified copy is available from the custodian of the record. (Correct answer)
The notary may certify the copy only if the principal signs an affidavit stating that the copy is true and accurate.

Correct answer: The notary must refuse to certify the copy because it is a public record for which a certified copy is available from the custodian of the record.

Under PA RULONA, a notary public may not certify a copy of a public record or publicly recordable document if a certified copy can be obtained from the office of the public official in which the record is filed. Birth certificates fall into this category, as certified copies are available from the Department of Health. The notary should refuse to certify the copy and inform the requestor where to obtain a certified copy.

Question 12: A notary public in Pennsylvania resigns from their commission halfway through their 4-year term. What specific obligation does the notary's bond cover regarding their official records after resignation?

The bond is conditioned for the delivery of the notary's register to the recorder of deeds office within 30 days. (Correct answer)
The bond guarantees the return of the notary's seal to the Department of State.
The bond ensures the notary's journal is shredded to protect client privacy.
The bond automatically terminates and has no further obligations upon the notary's resignation.

Correct answer: The bond is conditioned for the delivery of the notary's register to the recorder of deeds office within 30 days.

The notary bond is conditioned for the faithful performance of duties, which includes the proper disposition of the notary's journal (register). In the case of resignation, death, or disqualification, the bond ensures the register is delivered to the office of the recorder of deeds of the proper county within 30 days.

Question 13: Which of the following charges is a Pennsylvania Notary Public expressly PROHIBITED from imposing on a principal?

A fee for certifying a copy of a document.
A fee for administering an oath.
A fee for travel expenses, agreed upon in advance.
An 'administrative fee' or 'convenience fee' for scheduling the appointment. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An 'administrative fee' or 'convenience fee' for scheduling the appointment.

The Pennsylvania Notary Public Law strictly limits the fees a notary may charge to the statutory notarial fees and reasonable, separately disclosed travel fees. Notaries are prohibited from charging additional fees such as 'administrative fees,' 'convenience fees,' 'processing fees,' or 'document preparation fees.'

Question 14: An administrative penalty can be imposed up to _________ for each act in Pennsylvania.

$1,000.00 (Correct answer)
$1,500.00
$2,000.00
$500.00

Correct answer: $1,000.00

The Pennsylvania Department of State can impose an administrative penalty of up to $1,000 for each act or omission that violates the Notary Public Law. This penalty applies to notaries who fail to comply with regulations or to individuals performing notarial acts without proper authorization. It serves as a significant deterrent against misconduct and unauthorized practice.

Question 15: A Pennsylvania notary is an employee at a large real estate firm and is paid an hourly wage. The firm offers a quarterly bonus to all administrative staff, including the notary, based on the total number of property closings the firm completes. The notary's duties include notarizing deeds and mortgage documents for these closings. Under PA law, is this bonus structure a prohibited conflict of interest for the notary?

Yes, because the bonus is tied to the volume of transactions the notary is involved in.
No, because only being a named party in the transaction, not receiving a performance bonus, creates a conflict of interest.
Yes, because any financial gain beyond the statutory fee and regular salary constitutes a direct interest.
No, because the bonus is not contingent upon the completion of any specific notarial act and is part of a firm-wide incentive. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, because the bonus is not contingent upon the completion of any specific notarial act and is part of a firm-wide incentive.

Pennsylvania law states that a notary may not have a direct or pecuniary interest in a transaction. However, it clarifies that receiving a bonus is not considered a direct or pecuniary interest, provided the bonus is not related to or contingent upon the completion of a specific notarial act. Since the bonus is for all administrative staff and based on the firm's overall performance (total closings), it does not create a prohibited conflict of interest.

Question 16: A signer is physically unable to write their full name but can make a mark. Two witnesses are present. What is the correct procedure for a Pennsylvania notary to follow for a signature by mark on a standard legal document?

The notary must make the mark for the signer and then have the two witnesses sign the document.
The signer makes their mark, one witness prints the signer's name near the mark and signs as a witness, and the other witness also signs. (Correct answer)
The signer makes their mark, and the notary prints the signer's name with the notation 'his/her mark' nearby. The witnesses are not required to sign.
The notary must refuse the notarization as a full signature is required on all documents.

Correct answer: The signer makes their mark, one witness prints the signer's name near the mark and signs as a witness, and the other witness also signs.

Under Pennsylvania's Statutory Construction Act, a signature includes a mark when the individual cannot write, but their name must be written near it and witnessed by another person who writes their own name. While one witness is the minimum statutory requirement for the mark to be considered a signature, having two witnesses present (and signing) is a common and recommended best practice, especially for important documents.

Question 17: A notary discovers their journal is missing from their desk. They are unsure if it was stolen or simply misplaced. Under RULONA, what is the maximum time allowed for the notary to report this to the Department of State?

Promptly, with no specific deadline.
Within 15 days of discovery. (Correct answer)
Within 30 days of discovery.
Within 48 hours of discovery.

Correct answer: Within 15 days of discovery.

If a notary's stamping device or journal is lost or stolen, the notary is required to notify the Department of State within 15 days of discovering the loss or theft. The term 'loss' includes items that are misplaced, destroyed, or otherwise made unavailable.

Question 18: A Pennsylvania notary who is fluent in Spanish advertises their services in a local Spanish-language newspaper. The ad correctly includes the required disclaimer, 'I am not an attorney...' in Spanish. However, due to a printing error by the newspaper, the disclaimer is published in a tiny, 6-point font that is barely legible. Which of the following is true regarding the notary's liability?

The notary is strictly liable for the advertisement failing to be 'prominently' displayed. (Correct answer)
The notary has no liability as the error was made by the newspaper.
The notary can avoid liability by posting a compliant sign at their place of business.
The notary is only liable if they used the term 'notario publico' in the advertisement.

Correct answer: The notary is strictly liable for the advertisement failing to be 'prominently' displayed.

Pennsylvania law requires that the disclaimer in any advertisement must be included 'prominently.' The notary is responsible for their advertising content. Even if the error was the newspaper's, the final product did not meet the legal standard of prominence. The law does not absolve the notary due to a third-party printer's mistake. While posting a sign is also required if the ad format doesn't permit the full disclaimer, it does not cure a defective print advertisement.

Question 19: A notary receives a notice that their surety has cancelled their bond. What is the immediate effect on their notary commission?

The notary must pay a fine within 10 business days.
There is no effect until the Department sends a formal revocation letter.
The commission is placed on probation for 30 days.
The commission is automatically suspended. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The commission is automatically suspended.

A notary commission is automatically suspended at the moment the required surety bond is no longer in effect. The notary must cease all notarial acts until a new bond is secured and the Department is notified.

Question 20: What is the primary and most common method for a Pennsylvania notary to obtain satisfactory evidence of a signer's identity?

A sworn statement from the signer
Identification by one credible witness
Verification of a government-issued identification credential (Correct answer)
Personal knowledge of the signer

Correct answer: Verification of a government-issued identification credential

Under the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA), while personal knowledge and credible witnesses are permitted, the most standard, objective, and commonly used method is verification of a current, government-issued identification credential containing a photograph and signature.

Question 21: Which of the following pieces of information is explicitly forbidden from being recorded in a Pennsylvania notary's journal?

The fee charged for the notarial act.
The signer's full Social Security number. (Correct answer)
A description of the document being notarized.
The last four digits of a driver's license number.

Correct answer: The signer's full Social Security number.

Pennsylvania regulations explicitly prohibit a notary's journal from containing personally identifiable financial or identification information, such as a complete Social Security number or a full driver's license number. Terminal numbers, like the last four digits, are permissible for identification purposes.

Question 22: A client presents a document intended for use in a foreign country and insists that it requires an embossed seal for authenticity. The Pennsylvania notary knows their official rubber stamp is legally sufficient. Which of the following actions is appropriate?

Apply the official rubber stamp and inform the client that using an embosser is illegal.
Apply the official rubber stamp and then use the embosser in addition to the stamp. (Correct answer)
Refuse the notarization because the client is dictating the notarial procedure.
Use only the embosser, as requested by the client for the foreign jurisdiction.

Correct answer: Apply the official rubber stamp and then use the embosser in addition to the stamp.

In Pennsylvania, the official rubber stamp is mandatory for tangible notarizations. However, a notary is permitted to use an embosser as an additional, optional tool. For documents going to foreign jurisdictions that may expect an embossed seal, it is appropriate to use both the required stamp and the optional embosser.

Question 23: Upon the expiration, resignation, or revocation of a Pennsylvania notary public's commission, what is the proper procedure for the disposition of their official journal and other notarial records?

The notary must destroy all records within 30 days.
The notary may keep the journal and records indefinitely for personal reference.
The notary must deliver the journal and records to the Department of State within 30 days. (Correct answer)
The notary must transfer the journal and records to another active notary public.

Correct answer: The notary must deliver the journal and records to the Department of State within 30 days.

Pennsylvania law requires a notary public whose commission expires, is resigned, or revoked to deliver their official journal and all other notarial records to the Department of State within 30 days. This ensures continuity of records and proper archiving.

Question 24: A notary is notarizing the signature of an attorney-in-fact who is signing a real estate deed on behalf of a principal. The notarial certificate is an acknowledgment. How should the notary complete the certificate?

Stating that the principal personally appeared and acknowledged the signature made by the attorney-in-fact.
Stating that the attorney-in-fact personally appeared and acknowledged signing in their representative capacity. (Correct answer)
Refusing the notarization unless the original Power of Attorney document is recorded with the deed.
Stating that both the principal and the attorney-in-fact appeared before the notary.

Correct answer: Stating that the attorney-in-fact personally appeared and acknowledged signing in their representative capacity.

The notarial certificate must reflect exactly what occurred. The attorney-in-fact is the individual who personally appeared before the notary. Therefore, the certificate should name the attorney-in-fact as the person appearing and state that they acknowledged executing the document in their authorized capacity on behalf of the principal. The notary only needs to identify the person who is physically present and signing.

Question 25: A client explains that his brother is physically incapacitated and cannot sign or even make a mark on a document. The client asks if he can sign his brother's name on his behalf, a process known as 'signature by proxy.' According to Pennsylvania notary law, how should you proceed?

Perform the notarization, as signature by proxy is permitted for any document in Pennsylvania.
Allow the proxy signature, provided there are two disinterested witnesses present.
Refuse to notarize, as Pennsylvania law does not provide general statutory guidelines for signature by proxy. (Correct answer)
Sign the incapacitated individual's name yourself at the direction of the client and then notarize the document.

Correct answer: Refuse to notarize, as Pennsylvania law does not provide general statutory guidelines for signature by proxy.

Pennsylvania notary law does not have specific statutes that authorize a 'signature by proxy' for general notarial acts. Notaries are advised not to perform such notarizations as it falls outside their defined authority. While certain specific documents, like a Power of Attorney, have provisions for another individual to sign at the principal's direction, this is not a general rule for all documents.

Question 26: Which of the following is a required component of identity verification for a remote online notarization (RON) in Pennsylvania?

The use of credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA). (Correct answer)
A verbal confirmation of the signer's date of birth and address.
Having a credible witness present with the signer at their remote location.
The signer emailing a scanned copy of their ID to the notary beforehand.

Correct answer: The use of credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication (KBA).

RON requires a robust, multi-factor identity verification process. This includes remote presentation of an ID, analysis of the ID's security features by the technology platform (credential analysis), and having the signer answer questions based on their personal and credit history (knowledge-based authentication, or KBA).

Question 27: An elderly individual in a nursing home needs a document notarized but has no valid photo ID. Their long-time friend, whom you have known personally for many years, is present and offers to serve as a credible witness. The friend also knows the signer well. Under Pennsylvania law, what is required for you to proceed with the notarization using this single credible witness?

The witness must sign an affidavit, and the nursing home administrator must co-sign it to verify the signer's identity.
The witness must be placed under oath or affirmation, be personally known to the notary, personally know the signer, and have no interest in the transaction. (Correct answer)
The witness must present their own valid photo ID and sign the notary's journal.
Two credible witnesses are required in this situation, and both must be personally known to the notary.

Correct answer: The witness must be placed under oath or affirmation, be personally known to the notary, personally know the signer, and have no interest in the transaction.

Pennsylvania law (RULONA) allows for the use of a single credible witness if that witness is personally known to the notarial officer, personally knows the signer, and makes a verification on oath or affirmation that they know the signer and have no direct or pecuniary interest in the transaction.

Question 28: Handling electronic records requires the notary in Pennsylvania to be registered with the department:

Within 30 days of first use
After completing training
At the time of renewal
Before receiving any electronic notarization requests (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Before receiving any electronic notarization requests

To perform electronic notarizations, a Pennsylvania notary must be registered with the Department of State *before* receiving any electronic notarization requests. This ensures that the notary is properly authorized and equipped to handle electronic records and transactions securely and legally. It's a prerequisite for engaging in electronic notarial acts.

Question 29: Which of the following scenarios constitutes a permissible reason for a Pennsylvania notary to refuse a notarization?

The document contains political statements with which the notary strongly disagrees.
The notary is not satisfied that the signer's signature on the document substantially conforms to the signature on their government-issued ID. (Correct answer)
The signer is from a different country and presents a valid, unexpired foreign passport as identification.
The notary's employer has a policy against notarizing non-work-related documents during business hours, but the signer is a close friend.

Correct answer: The notary is not satisfied that the signer's signature on the document substantially conforms to the signature on their government-issued ID.

Under RULONA (Section 308), a notary may refuse to perform a notarial act if the notary is not satisfied that the individual's signature on the record substantially conforms to the signature on the identification provided. Disagreement with a document's content is not a valid reason to refuse. A foreign passport is an acceptable form of ID. While an employer can limit services, the question presents this as a choice, not a mandatory refusal reason; the signature mismatch is a direct statutory ground for refusal.

Question 30: A Pennsylvania notary decides to resign their commission before it expires. What must they do with their journal and stamping device?

Transfer them to their employer for safekeeping.
Deliver them to the recorder of deeds office within 30 days. (Correct answer)
Mail them to the Department of State in Harrisburg.
Destroy the stamp and keep the journal for seven years.

Correct answer: Deliver them to the recorder of deeds office within 30 days.

Within 30 days of resignation, a notary must deliver their journal and stamp to the recorder of deeds office in the county where their last business office was registered. They must not be destroyed or given to another person.

Question 31: A notary legally changes their name mid-commission due to marriage. They decide to begin using their new name for notarizations immediately. Which of the following is a complete list of required actions BEFORE they can use the new name?

Simply start signing with the new name and provide a copy of the marriage certificate upon request.
Purchase a new stamping device with the new name and re-register their signature with the prothonotary.
Notify the Department of State, purchase a new stamping device, and re-register their new signature with the prothonotary. (Correct answer)
Notify the Department of State of the name change and purchase a new journal.

Correct answer: Notify the Department of State, purchase a new stamping device, and re-register their new signature with the prothonotary.

To use a new legal name for notarizations immediately, the notary must first notify the Department of State within 30 days of the change, purchase a new stamping device reflecting the new name, and register the new signature with the prothonotary's office in the county where their office is located.

Question 32: A Pennsylvania e-notary is authorized to certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is a true and correct copy. Which of the following is a critical requirement for this specific notarial act?

The notary must confirm the integrity of the electronic record and its notarization before making the certification. (Correct answer)
The notary must have been the one who originally performed the e-notarization on the electronic record.
The notary must print the electronic record and affix an inked stamp and signature to the paper copy.
The certification must be requested by the original signer of the electronic document.

Correct answer: The notary must confirm the integrity of the electronic record and its notarization before making the certification.

Act 97 of 2020 authorizes notaries to certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is a true and correct copy. Before doing so, the notary has a duty to ensure the electronic record is intact and the original electronic notarization is valid and has not been tampered with. This involves verifying the tamper-evident technology of the original electronic document.

Question 33: During a Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Pennsylvania, what is the specific requirement for the notarial certificate?

The certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed by means of communication technology. (Correct answer)
The certificate must list the specific brand of communication technology used.
The certificate does not require any special wording different from a traditional notarization.
The certificate must be physically mailed to the signer within 24 hours.

Correct answer: The certificate must indicate that the notarial act was performed by means of communication technology.

When a notarial act is performed remotely in Pennsylvania, the law requires that the certificate of notarial act explicitly states it was performed using communication technology. This disclosure is critical for the legal validity and transparency of the remote notarization process.

Question 34: Which of the following is strictly prohibited from appearing on the official notary stamp?

The notary's full middle name
The Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Correct answer)
The words "Notary Public"
The commission expiration date

Correct answer: The Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The law explicitly prohibits the inclusion of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the official stamping device.

Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam

The Pennsylvania Notary Public Exam tests knowledge of notarial acts, Pennsylvania notary law, identification requirements, journal keeping, and ethical obligations required for commissioning.

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